SOFTWARE: * Photoshop CS3-CS5, Corel Painter X * Wacom Intuos 3 (6x11) * I use countless non-digital tools in my everyday drawing habits, I won't go in detail of all of them but these items are always, always in my kit: * 2H, 4H, 2B, & 4B DERWENT Graphic Pencils * Sakura Pigma Micron (01's) * Staedtler Mars/80 Lead Holder * Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pens (B) * PaperMate TUFF STUFF Eraser Stick * Any gum-based or kneaded eraser * Makeshift cloth blenders * Small Conte Sticks/Willow Charcoal * BLACK Colorstripe Lyra
As far as sketch papers/series go, I mostly use the 400 Series Strathmore Sketchbooks (11x14). It is a medium weight recycled paper with a nice paper grain - and is acid free. It's a fantastic sketchbook for pencillers and inkers.
The reality is, honestly, even with tons of research you may do on youtube, or the library, or behind someone's shoulder - you won't start getting where you want to be without making the effort of sitting down and screwing up, over, and over, and over again until you see a pattern of improvement. Drown your doubts and just do it; for yourself, for the world, and for science.